The legal drinking age in all U.S. states is 21 years, and people under this age who drink – whether or not they also drive – can face legal consequences if they are convicted of violating the minimum drinking age laws. In order to prevent minors from obtaining alcohol, many researchers recommend vigorous legal enforcement of laws for underage drinking.
A study published in the 2007 Transportation Research E-Circular found that increased enforcement of laws that prohibit stores from selling alcohol to minors reduced underage drinking overall. The study, which looked at both the results of “sting” operations involving youthful-looking or underage buyers and at the rates of underage drinking in communities, found that when police used “sting” operations to prevent either retail sales to minors or retail selling of alcohol, both the possession of alcohol by minors and the drinking of alcohol by minors decreased. However, the studies did not look at the “fallout” from enhanced enforcement of these laws, such as the rates of people who were improperly charged with an alcohol-related offense.
A conviction for an alcohol-related crime, like drunk driving or being a minor in possession, can have serious consequences for your future. If you’ve been charged with an alcohol-related crime in New Hampshire, the experienced DWI defense attorneys in New Hampshire at Tenn And Tenn, P.A. can help you protect your legal rights and fight for the best possible outcome in your case. For a free and confidential telephone consultation, call us today at (603) 614-5055.